I have always heard that days, weeks, months, and years fly by as you get older. Time appears to be passing by at a higher speed. This warp speed has me taking note more than ever of what I want out of life. I have always been the type of person looking at what is available and what is possible. I don’t believe anyone could ever accuse me of not grabbing life and living it to the fullest. This year, as with the past many years, I am taking stock of what I have accomplished, what I would like to see for the future, and how I can improve myself. What I hope for is to take positive action each day to fill life with more meaning.
Here are some ideas I am planning, and you may want to consider too.
Be More Mindful
Mindfulness has become a buzzword in the last few years. Mindfulness is a form of meditation that has been around for a very long time. It is being aware of emotions, feeling both physically and mentally as well as noticing your thoughts with acceptance and without judgement. Practicing mindfulness can lead to a healthier you by learning to live in the moment and enjoy life as it happens. Research has found that the practice of mindfulness in as little as eight weeks can boost your immune system with the ability to fight off illness. It may also reduce stress, increase positive emotions, and help with focus and memory.
Pursue Your Passion
Finding your personal passion is not always easy. Tony Robbins has a test he calls the “Rocking Chair Test” which is a way to find your passion. This test is to imagine yourself at 90 years old, in your rocking chair, looking back on your life. You would question yourself about your biggest regret, things you wished you had experienced, and how you want to be remembered.
Following your passion comes from the heart and not the head. It’s an exploration of interest, skills, and getting in touch with yourself.
Simplify Your Life
Life appears to become more complicated each day and working towards simplification can appear overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it all at once. Everything in life takes up space – physical space (things), mental space (thoughts), and calendar space (time). By streamlining your life, you will free up more time, space, and energy. Ways to start may be looking at your environment, which affects us physically and emotionally. Other ways to simplify your life are to work on healthy mental habits by having positive self-dialogue, limiting time with toxic people, and the information you are allowing into your life. This can include social media, television, and other areas of influence that can take up your time.
Give yourself the freedom to enjoy life’s simplest pleasure without having them own you.
The Four Agreements
Finally, you may want to just live by these simple, life changing, four agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity, say only what you mean, and avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
- Don’t Take Things Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
- Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama.
- Always do your best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment and it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstances, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgement, self-abuse, and regret.
I am looking forward to discovering all the wonder and possibilities that lie ahead and come from new beginnings. I hope your journey is just as exciting.
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius
Robin Anne Griffiths is a certified master development coach, personal trainer, behavior change consultant, and yoga instructor. She specializes as a movement instructor for senior populations. Her mission is to help with living a fuller and healthier life as you age. Her Better You Series is three unique programs tailored to help with positive changes in diet, fitness, and life direction. She works with groups and individuals on life transitions to create personal balance – physically and mentally. You can find more information at https://robinannegriffiths.com.
